The Mexican family band and the magic of the wooden monster
The Mexican marimba band Son Rompe Pera went from humble street players to worldwide acclaim
Mexican marimba band Son Rompe Pera are three boys, their dad, and the special power of one instrument, the marimba. From the day their dad lugged its giant wooden frame through the doors of their humble home on the outskirts of Mexico City, their lives changed. It gave them everything: a livelihood, an education and most of all a love of making music together. But bands, like families, famously have their own quarrels, and this group was no exception. The boys' decision to take their music in a new, punk direction, lead to a rift with their dad. Later, when they found themselves lost in addiction, struggling to stay united, an unexpected encounter in the street would be their way back together and catapult them onto the world stage.
Presenter: India Rakusen
Producer: Louise Morris
Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707
(Photo: Brothers Mongo, Kilos and Kacho Gama of Son Rompe Pera. Credit: Son Rompe Pera
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- Tue 18 Jul 2023 11:06GMT91Èȱ¬ World Service
- Tue 18 Jul 2023 17:06GMT91Èȱ¬ World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Tue 18 Jul 2023 21:06GMT91Èȱ¬ World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Wed 19 Jul 2023 02:06GMT91Èȱ¬ World Service
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